Christianity is one of the world's most widespread religions.It is based on the principle of monotheism and was formed in the I-II century within Judaism.The central principle of this religion is that Jesus Christ is the one God, owning just divine, not human power, which is embodied on Earth as the Son of God to die for the sins of all people.However, Christianity - is not just a monotheistic faith.It also brings in the principles of monotheism idea of a single person trinity (God, the Logos, the Holy Spirit).
emergence of Christianity.Briefly about the early history of
Christians themselves in understanding their religion emerged suddenly as a result of the ascension of Jesus Christ into the kingdom of heaven.However, it is impossible not to take into account the fact that the Christian faith is a continuation of a centuries-old Jewish theology, mixed with the myths of the Greeks.So, in Paul's genuine epistles of the New Testament in the 50-ies n.e.He describes "the mysterious religion of Jesus."And judging by these writings, Paul knew nothing about the divine birth of Christ or the Last Supper, or the resurrection after death.He did not say explicitly that Jesus received the baptism, though, and often mentions the baptism in the name of Christ.
20 years later, Mark was able to uncover some of the features of Jesus' ministry.This later gospels of Matthew and Luke largely based on previous teachings, but John recounts the story quite differently.
early as the first century AD, many written books on Christianity were deemed unreliable and fraudulent.Various interpretations have led to what became possible disputes over the intricacies of theology.Dissent in the Christian church came to an end when the First Council of Nicaea, convened by Emperor Constantine I in 325, was adopted the very first article of faith.And in the year 380 of the Roman Empire it gained the status of an official religion.
characteristic features of Christianity
In this religion there are such basic principles:
1. spiritualistic monotheism with the doctrine of the trinity of Persons in one divine being.
2. God is absolutely perfect Spirit, God is love.
3. The human person is absolutely valuable and is an immortal spiritual being, created by God in his own image.
4. Perfect man's destiny is in the comprehensive improvement of the infinite spirit.
5. The spiritual principle prevails over matter.And God - her lord.
6. Evil is not created matter and not from her but from the perverse will of angels and humans.
7. Christian - it is also the resurrection of the flesh and of the bliss, the righteous of the world finds enlightenment and eternal.
8. The doctrine of Christianity - the doctrine of the God-Man, who came down to earth to save people from sin.
9. This religion is based on the main book of the Bible, and faith.
Thus Christianity - it is also a religion of harmony of matter and spirit.It Despise not any kind of human activity, but is trying to ennoble them all.
What is Christianity as a faith?
First of all, it is the belief that the savior of mankind, Jesus Christ was God in the flesh, which was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary.Living in the world during the reign of Pontius Pilate, he has known suffering and crucified.After his death, Jesus descended into hell, on the third day rose from the dead and ascended into heaven.And now there he will come to judge the living and the dead.
exact meaning of the word "Christianity" is rather vague.And his interpretation is very important that, on what historical and religious sources can be relied upon, or with whom the conversation is conducted.Traditionally, it sets out the concept in three main positions: the Apostles' Creed, the Nicene Creed, the Athanasian Creed.However, developed and other provisions.
At different times, Orthodox, Catholics, Cathars, Gnostics, Protestants, Mormons, Quakers and other religious groups are not considered to be Christian and have been recognized as heretical.Most of the churches was considered heresy, betrayal, that eventually led to massive persecution, torture and murder.
Salvation
In Christianity, the person is recognized initially being imperfect, which is easy to succumb to the temptation (the original sin of Adam and Eve).At the same time everyone can be saved, which is given in the form of God's grace.It is necessary that people have accepted the presence of God after death.How exactly is this process?It is not clear, since there are several different statements: some believe that the most important thing - it is faith;the other - that it should be supported by good deeds.Nevertheless, it is assumed that the death of Jesus Christ is the atonement for the sins of all mankind.
Trinity
Most of the Christian world support the concept of the Trinity, the core of which is laid, that the one God is three persons: God the Father (created the universe), God the Son (Jesus Christ, the Redeemer of people), the Holy Spirit (save souls).
Trinitarianism, or the doctrine of the Trinity, is the conventional wisdom for most Christians, but not for everyone.For example, Unitarians recognize the existence of only one person of God the creator.And Oneness Pentecostals believe only God is Jesus Christ.
Thus Christianity - is one of the most fragmented religions, which comprises a plurality of denominations.
